Current SC Motorcycle Related Information

The GOOD; Passed and became law:

S 36 “Interlock First Offense”

Driver’s license suspended due to a first offense. This will allow DUI interlock requirement exclusion for motorcycles and mopeds. Currently these devices cannot meet the requirements needed if installed on motorcycles. This bill was signed by Governor McMaster on May 19th and makes our state one of the few if not only with this in current DUI laws. This law will take effect on May 19th of 2024.

S

363 “Carolina Squat”

This law now requires that trucks ca not be modified over four inches from the front to the back axle. This bill was signed by Governor McMaster on May 16th and has an effective date of November 12, 2023.

H

The BAD; Did not pass both chambers:

3394 “SC Hands Free Act”

Distracted driving is our #1 priority. Passage of this would make driving with a cell phone in your hand illegal. Representative Bill Taylor introduced this bill, and it currently sits in the House Judiciary Committee. We made great strides in getting over 15 co-sponsors and will continue the push next year on this bill.

S

375 “Move Over”

Passage of this would require the driver of a vehicle to move over if possible and slow down when approaching a stopped vehicle that has its hazard lights on the side of a road. This would make it a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $500. Senator Grooms sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the Senate in February with a vote of 41 ayes and 0 nays. It is now in the House of Representatives Judiciary committee.

The Ugly (If passed would ?):

H3359

“Street Legal Utility Terrain Vehicles”

H 3168 “Antique Motorcycles Use at Night”

Passage of this would allow antique motorcycles to ride at night for certain purposes if they are equipped with working headlights and rear lights. Representative Chumley sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the House of Representatives in April with a vote of 100 ayes and 0 nays and is now in the Senate Transportation committee.

H 3962 “Large Debris Falling from Vehicles”

Passage of this would make it illegal for large 2’ polyethylene pieces to fall from a vehicle in the roadways. Representative Trantham sponsored this bill, and it is now in the Education and Public Works committee.

Passage of this would allow UTV to operate on roads with a posted speed of 55 mph, pay a registration fee and have liability insurance. They would not be required to pay property tax. Operators would be required to have a valid driver’s license and be at least 16 years old. Section J as shown below lowers the age for UTV operators to 18. We have asked that the age of 21 be left alone and not amended for other vehicles unless it’s amended for all.

(J) Drivers and passengers in a registered UTV who are under the age of eighteen must wear the protective gear described in Sections 56-5-3660 and 56-5-3670.

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